The Cleveland Browns just made history in signing standout cornerback Denzel Ward to a five-year, $100.5 million deal that includes $71.25 million guaranteed. Adam Schefter confirmed the news via his Twitter account.
Browns are signing Pro-Bowl CB Denzel Ward to a 5-year, $100.5 million contract extension that includes $71.25 million guaranteed, per source. At age 24, Ward is the highest-paid CB in NFL history.
Tory Dandy of CAA Sports, who negotiated the contract, confirmed the deal to ESPN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2022
More Leaguewide News: Stephon Gilmore Signs With Colts
This move locks up one of the best pure cover corners in the NFL through the 2027 season and helps to fortify a very good Browns defense for many years to come.
Cleveland Browns Sign Denzel Ward to $100.5 Million Deal
Ward has been everything Cleveland could’ve hoped for since drafting him out of Ohio State with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He has elite ball skills, speed, and agility and can cover the best receivers on a consistent basis. This gives Ward an annual salary of $20.1 million which eclipses the Los Angeles Rams, Jalen Ramsey.
What makes this signing so good for the Browns has been the steady ascension of a homegrown player that is still very young and plays a premium position. Cleveland will look to support Ward with a solid trio of corners including, A.J. Green, Greg Newsome II, and Troy Hill. This group might represent one of the best defensive back rooms in the entire NFL and helps the Browns to better compete in the extremely tough AFC North.
Cleveland has had a rough stretch this last year and in recent months with their poor showing in 2021 and the Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson drama. With the looming suspension of Watson and subsequent release of Mayfield, the Browns look to turn the page going into 2022. This strong move shows they are still counting on their defense to carry them to win games to get back to the playoffs that eluded them last season. Ward is one of the best and Cleveland has shown they are more than willing to pay top dollar for high-end talent.
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